Toulouse: “We have all the technological tools to deal with global warming”
Specialist in global warming and mediator at the Toulouse Botanical Garden, Bernard Cosson is leading this subject this Sunday at the Jardin du Muséum. Interview.
Why this theme?
The choice is national. A very popular and topical subject, since in particular the report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which models the climate of the future. We already have desires by Météo France on the different regions of France.
Precisely: what does this development say for Toulouse?
Toulouse is rather heading towards global warming linked in particular to its geographical location.
What will the Pink City be like in 2050?
With an increase of 1.5° degrees, Toulouse will have mild winters and very dry and very hot summers in the Mediterranean climate version. With risks of fire even if the vegetation does not lend itself to it. The wind, and this is an advantage over the fires, will be less. Just like the rain with little water reserves. Overall, the seasons will be less marked. A trend that has already been felt for several years.
What will be the impact on flora and fauna?
Inevitable of course. Plants are dependent on environmental conditions, including temperature and the amount of water. Two aspects that determine germination, growth and flowering with pollination and fruiting. When flowering occurs too early, there is a risk of frost, or even malformation of the fruit (fruit trees, vines). Production and quantity may be altered. The lack of water can also weaken certain species of trees: spruces with a proliferation of insects such as the bark beetle.
If we go back in time, how was Toulouse?
Going back to the miocene (20 million years ago), Toulouse was tropical and humid. With forests populated by elephants and rhinos. The subsequent cooling and shifting of the Earth fostered the Ice Age with polar ice caps, tundra vegetation, mammoths and woolly rhinos.
Are climate changes permanent?
Of course. We must therefore not dramatize and act accordingly by using the means and technologies in place: recycling (waste recovery), carbon or natural pumps, mulching, soft transport, adapting species, etc . The gardens in Toulouse in 2050 will not be too different. Olive trees, palm trees, maples, plane trees, cork oaks will be more numerous. Unlike beeches. The will be natural selection. The strongest will resist and the weakest will disappear. Same for animals. Today, the solutions are there but we struggle to apply them because we always want to generate profits. Despite errors, Toulouse is nevertheless a green city. Following the example of Parc Garonne and the many local species.
This Sunday at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the garden of the Museum, 24-26 avenue Bourgès-Maunour, Borderouge district.